Arsenal
Arsenal signing this out of favour Barca star for £26m could turn out to be the bargain of the summer – opinion
Arsenal opinion: The Gunners should sign Andre Gomes
Arsenal’s season ended in disappointment, yet again. Despite performing extremely well in the Europa League, the Gunners fell well short in the end and were thoroughly beaten by Chelsea. The scoreline was 4-1 in favour of the Blues, with Arsenal always looking second best in the tie.
That wasn’t the way things were supposed to go for the club but that’s exactly the way it did go, which has been an issue over the years. Their mentality has been fragile and easily bendable by the Premier League’s bigger clubs, which is why Arsenal find themselves in the Europa League.
Things could get even worse for the Gunners, but even then they need to keep moving forward. Unai Emery has a lot of work to do on the club and given their transfer budget after that Europa League final defeat, it’s not going to be easy for him to do it.
However, the former Sevilla and PSG boss has done it before and with time, there is a chance he can do it again.
They need reinforcements on board and one area that really needs new additions is their midfield. The likes of Lucas Torriera and Matteo Guendouzi have both done relatively well but Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Mesut Ozil have all struggled.
Xhaka has been the lone man who has done well in patches, but his defensive errors have played a part in Arsenal’s downfall. But replacing him with someone like Andre Gomes would be perfect, especially given the Portuguese star’s all-around ability.
The Sun has reported that Arsenal are keen on a move for the 25-year-old and after his time in the Premier League, it should come as no surprise. He’s adapted brilliantly to the more physical Premier League, taking each game in his stride.
Gomes’ aggression is what they need and the move would be a brilliant coup by the Gunners. They have been linked with a move for the on-loan Barcelona midfielder throughout this season and even last season (Sky Sports).
Gomes’ innate talent to consistently move the ball around and keep the play ticking is something that Arsenal need. They’ve missed that often this season and with Aaron Ramsey leaving in the summer, it means that there is space for a new midfielder in the summer.
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Conclusion
Andre Gomes may not be a bonafide replacement for the Welshman, but his all-around creative ability and tireless running will help ease the transition. Given the fact that Barcelona does not want him, they have a chance of getting him for just £26million (Daily Mail).
Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi Girlfriend: Personal Life, Family Background and Relationship Status
Category | Details |
---|---|
Born | San Sebastián, Spain |
Age | 26 years old |
Position | Defensive Midfielder |
International Caps | 19 appearances for Spain |
Major Honours | Euro 2024 Winner, UEFA Nations League 2023 |
Net Worth | Estimated $10 million (2025) |
Arsenal‘s newest signing Martin Zubimendi has captured headlines for his tactical brilliance and Euro 2024 heroics, but the Spanish midfielder’s personal story reveals a grounded individual whose values and family ties have shaped his remarkable career trajectory.
Personal Life and Relationships
The 26-year-old remains notably private about his romantic life, with no confirmed information about a girlfriend or spouse as of 2025. He is currently single and has not publicly disclosed any details about personal relationships, preferring to maintain focus on his football career rather than court media attention outside the sport.
Family Background and Support System
His close relationship with his parents and siblings has always been a source of strength, providing him with a solid support system as he navigates the pressures of professional football. The midfielder’s family has been instrumental in his development, offering stability during his rise through Real Sociedad‘s youth ranks to international stardom.
Zubimendi’s decision to turn down Liverpool’s advances in summer 2024 was influenced by family considerations, demonstrating how his personal values and family bonds continue to influence major career decisions. This commitment to family has been a defining characteristic throughout his journey.
His parents, while maintaining privacy themselves, have been supportive of his career progression from his early days at Real Sociedad’s academy. The family’s Basque heritage has clearly influenced Zubimendi’s strong connection to his regional identity and club loyalty.
Career Highlights and Personal Milestones
The Making of a Professional
Zubimendi made his La Liga debut on 28 April 2019, coming on as a late substitute for Rubén Pardo in a 2–1 home win over Getafe. He has made 180 appearances for Real Sociedad in La Liga, scoring 5 goals, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most consistent defensive midfielders.
A Spanish international, Zubimendi started all five games in the 2020 Olympic Games as Spain claimed silver in Tokyo and has gone on to make 19 senior appearances for La Roja, winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League as well as helping his country defeat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024.
The Arsenal Chapter
Zubimendi joined Arsenal for a fee of €65m (£56.1m) after they negotiated a fee higher than his release clause to be able to pay in instalments. The midfielder has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, explaining it was “the move I was looking for”.
Zubimendi also snubbed Liverpool in the summer of 2024, showing his selective approach to career moves. His decision to join Arsenal reflects both sporting ambition and personal readiness for a new challenge after years of loyalty to his hometown club.
The midfielder’s journey from a quiet San Sebastián youth to Arsenal’s marquee signing demonstrates how personal values, family support, and professional dedication can coexist. His story resonates beyond football, showing how maintaining authenticity and strong personal relationships can complement rather than hinder professional success.
As Zubimendi begins his Premier League journey, his grounded personality and strong family foundation suggest he’s well-equipped to handle the pressures of English football while remaining true to the values that shaped his remarkable rise.
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Arsenal
Arsenal’s Christian Norgaard Signing: A Practical 7/10 Addition
Arsenal‘s completion of the Christian Norgaard transfer (announcement imminent) represents a shrewd, if unspectacular, piece of business. The £10 million deal, with up to £2 million in add-ons, brings experience and reliability to Mikel Arteta’s midfield rebuild. While it may not excite supporters craving marquee signings, this move deserves a solid 7/10 rating for its tactical logic and financial prudence.
The Case for Christian Norgaard
The Danish captain’s Premier League pedigree cannot be questioned. With 122 appearances for Brentford since 2021, Norgaard has consistently performed at the highest level, culminating in his career-best 2024-25 season where he scored 5 goals in 34 appearances. His defensive statistics are particularly impressive – ranking third in the Premier League for tackles won (189) since his top-flight debut, averaging 2.8 per game compared to departing Thomas Partey’s 2.4.
Norgaard’s set-piece prowess adds another dimension to Arsenal’s attacking arsenal. His aerial ability and positioning at corners could prove crucial in tight games, addressing a long-standing weakness in the Gunners’ play. The 31-year-old’s leadership qualities, demonstrated through his Brentford captaincy, will be invaluable in a squad that has sometimes lacked vocal leaders in key moments.
From a tactical perspective, Norgaard fits perfectly into Arteta’s system. His ability to shield the defense while contributing in possession also makes him an ideal replacement for Jorginho’s experience. The Dane’s Premier League adaptation is already complete, eliminating the usual settling-in period that accompanies foreign imports.
The Pragmatic Concerns
However, several factors prevent this from being a higher-rated signing. At 31, Norgaard offers minimal resale value, representing a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment. His age profile contradicts Arsenal’s recent strategy of targeting younger, developing talents who can appreciate in value.
The fee structure, while reasonable, still represents significant expenditure for a player who may only contribute for 2-3 seasons. Former Arsenal defender William Gallas publicly questioned the logic of spending £10 million on a player “a year younger” than the departing Partey, highlighting concerns about the club’s transfer strategy.
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Norgaard’s goal return, while improved this season, remains modest for a player who will occupy a crucial midfield position. His discipline record – nine yellow cards and one red in 34 Premier League appearances last season – suggests he may struggle with the intensity of Arsenal’s high-pressing system.
The Verdict: Sensible but Uninspiring
This signing epitomizes Arsenal’s pragmatic approach to squad building. Norgaard provides immediate Premier League quality at a reasonable price, filling a specific tactical need without breaking the bank. His experience and leadership will prove valuable during the crucial adaptation period following Jorginho’s departure.
The 7/10 rating reflects solid, sensible recruitment rather than transformative business. While supporters may have hoped for a more exciting addition, Norgaard’s signing demonstrates Arsenal’s commitment to building a balanced squad rather than pursuing glamorous names.
In the context of Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy – which includes the £51 million signing of Martin Zubimendi – Norgaard represents the type of intelligent, low-risk addition that complements bigger investments. His role as a reliable squad player who can step up when needed makes this a thoroughly reasonable piece of business.
The real test will be whether Norgaard can maintain his Brentford form in Arsenal’s more demanding tactical system. If he adapts successfully, this signing could prove to be one of the summer’s shrewdest moves. If not, it risks becoming another expensive short-term fix in Arsenal’s ongoing midfield evolution.
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Arsenal
Arsenal’s £55M Nightmare: Why Losing Ethan Nwaneri Would Be Catastrophic
Arsenal face a contract standoff that could define their next decade. With Ethan Nwaneri’s current deal expiring in summer 2026 and negotiations stalling, the Gunners risk losing their most promising academy graduate since Bukayo Saka. The 18-year-old’s reluctance to commit amid concerns over guaranteed playing time has placed several elite clubs on red alert.
1. Losing a Generational Talent at His Peak Development Stage
Nwaneri represents the type of once-in-a-generation academy product that clubs build their future around. His breakthrough 2024-25 season demonstrated exceptional maturity beyond his years, including his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest in November and a memorable brace against Bolton in the Carabao Cup. The England Under-21 international’s ability to seamlessly transition between central midfield and right wing positions makes him invaluable in Mikel Arteta’s tactical system.
At 18, Nwaneri is entering the crucial phase where raw talent transforms into elite performance. His current market valuation of €55 million reflects his immense potential, but more importantly, his understanding of Arsenal’s tactical nuances and pressing systems cannot be replicated by any external signing. The young attacker’s technical ability, combined with his physical development and tactical intelligence, suggests he could become Arsenal’s next superstar.
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2. Strategic Implications for Arsenal’s Long-Term Planning
Arsenal’s entire academy philosophy centers on developing players who understand the club’s DNA from youth level. Nwaneri embodies this perfectly, having progressed through every level of the system. His departure would signal a fundamental failure in the club’s talent retention strategy and could encourage other promising youngsters to question their long-term prospects at the Emirates.
The timing is particularly damaging given Arsenal’s recent investment in youth development infrastructure. Losing Nwaneri would undermine the credibility of the pathway from academy to first team that Arteta has worked to establish. His contract situation has already created uncertainty, with reports suggesting his camp has expressed reservations about Arsenal’s plans to sign two new forwards, potentially limiting his opportunities.
3. Financial and Competitive Ramifications
From a financial perspective, allowing Nwaneri to leave would represent a catastrophic loss of asset value. The club invested significant resources in his development, and losing him for minimal compensation would be economically devastating. More critically, strengthening a direct competitor – with Chelsea reportedly circling – would compound the disaster.
Arsenal’s title ambitions depend on squad depth and tactical flexibility. Nwaneri’s versatility across multiple positions provides Arteta with crucial options during fixture congestion. His pace, creativity, and ability to press from advanced positions make him ideally suited to Arsenal’s high-intensity style. Replacing these specific attributes in the transfer market would cost significantly more than retaining him.
The Road Ahead
The club’s reluctance to sell, as confirmed by recent reports, demonstrates their recognition of Nwaneri’s importance. However, with his current deal entering its final year, time is running out to secure his long-term future.
The resolution of Nwaneri’s contract situation will serve as a litmus test for Arsenal’s ambitions. Failing to retain their brightest prospect would represent more than just losing a talented player – it would signal a failure to capitalize on years of academy investment and potentially derail the club’s long-term strategic vision. For Arsenal, keeping Nwaneri isn’t just important – it’s essential for their continued evolution as a title-contending force.
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